hot topics

Protection of Health Workers

The Ministry of Justice has reversed a decision not to include Wales in a new law aimed at offering health workers extra legal protection against disturbances and nuisances on NHS premises.

New Assembly Legislative Programme 2009 – 2010

In a statement to the Assembly on 14th July 2009, the First Minister announced the Assembly's legislative programme for 2009 – 2010.  The announcement focussed on delivering legislative changes through a number of Measures and Legislative Competence Orders (LCOs) where additional powers are to be sought.

Assembly Measures

• A Welsh language Measure establishing a Welsh Language Commissioner, confirming the official status of both Welsh and English and establishing linguistic rights in the contexts of public service provision, modernising the Welsh Language Act 1993.  
• An Environment Measure focussing on waste management and provisions to support emerging policy on single-use carrier bags
• A Measure relating to the red meat industry to give Ministers the power to raise levies for the Welsh red meat industry
• A Health Measure which requires cooperation between the NHS and local authorities to produce a carers' information strategy and a joint strategy for engaging with carers. The Measure is also intended to contain provisions relating to young carers.
• A Mental Health Measure addressing issues relating to the assessment of mental health and the treatment of mental health disorders. The Measure is also intended to enhance support for service users through an independent specialist mental health advocacy service.
• A Measure which will strengthen the role of community councils and improve decision-making and scrutiny within local government. The Measure intends to remove barriers and disincentives to individuals who wish to stand for election to local authorities.

Legislative Competence Orders (LCOs)

• An LCO on housing to encompass social housing and meeting the accommodatin needs of vulnerable groups
• An LCO providing powers to legislate in relation to school governance to improve the locally managed school model and place greater emphasis on improved collaboration and shared good practice, with a view to raising standards of attainment
• An LCO on school bus safety and concessionary fares
• An LCO to introduce new powers to legislate on the role of community councils and on the remunderation structure of councillors in Wales